I'm so tired of this stern, condescending tone towards depressives. But it's not just arrogant, it's disempowering, a remnant of the days when eccentrics were

I'm so tired of this stern, condescending tone towards depressives. But it's not just arrogant, it's disempowering, a remnant of the days when eccentrics were locked up and given shock treatment. I know at least two people who are managing their own bipolar as an adult, with very similar stories to the OP's. Often it's the very realization that you are responsible for your thoughts, emotions, and actions, not your parents, your doctor, or The Disease, that turns in the tide in a disorder of the mind. At the right moment, this belief will cause a stronger self to emerge. And yet, the mere mention of taking control of your mind will get people up in arms. This is Serious Business, they say. Well, lots of things in life are, and the right approach is usually to step up and take charge with a healthy dose of optimism.